Accessible & Intentional Home Design in Oakland County, Michigan
Not every home is designed for the way people actually live.
At Costello & Co Construction, we specialize in accessible and intentional home remodeling throughout Oakland County, Michigan — creating spaces that support independence, reduce daily stress, and feel genuinely aligned with how each individual lives. From sensory-friendly bathrooms and kitchens to aging-in-place modifications and behavior-informed design, our work goes beyond aesthetics to focus on how a space actually functions day to day.
What sets us apart from every other remodeling contractor in Oakland County is our background. Our co-founder holds training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) — the science of understanding how environments shape behavior, routine, and independence. That perspective shapes every accessible project we take on, from the way we think about lighting and acoustics to how we approach layout, transitions, and material selection. We design spaces where the environment works for the person in it, not against them.
Who Do We Design For
Our accessible and intentional design services are built for Oakland County families and homeowners navigating a wide range of needs:
Individuals with Autism & Sensory Processing Differences
We design sensory-friendly environments that reduce overstimulation and support calm, predictable routines. Lighting levels, acoustic materials, flooring transitions, color palettes, and spatial flow are all considered through a sensory lens — because for many individuals, these details aren't aesthetic choices, they're functional necessities.
Aging-in-Place Remodeling
We help Oakland County homeowners plan for the future with modifications that allow them to remain in their homes comfortably and safely as mobility and needs change over time. Curbless showers, grab bar installations, wider doorways, non-slip flooring, lever-style hardware, and roll-under vanities are all part of what we do — and none of it has to look institutional.
Families with Developmental Differences
Whether a family member has autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or other developmental differences, their home environment has a direct impact on their daily functioning. We work closely with families to understand specific behavioral and sensory needs, then translate those needs into a built environment that supports rather than frustrates.
Homeowners Planning for Long-Term Accessibility
You don't have to need accessibility features today to benefit from designing for them now. Many Oakland County homeowners are incorporating accessible design into kitchen and bathroom remodels proactively — knowing that a curbless shower or wider hallway will serve them well for decades to come without making the home feel designed for limitations.
Our Accessible Design Services
Sensory-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling
Bathrooms are one of the most challenging environments for individuals with sensory sensitivities — water, sound, temperature, and texture all converge in a small space. We design and build sensory-friendly bathrooms with adjustable lighting, handheld showerheads and pressure controls, calming color palettes, non-slip curbless showers, warm acoustic materials, and intuitive layouts that reduce transitions and decision points during routine.
Accessible Kitchen Design
We remodel Oakland County kitchens with accessibility built into the design — lower counter sections for wheelchair access or children, pull-out shelving and drawer organizers that eliminate the need to reach into deep cabinets, touch-operated or lever faucets, and layouts that create clear, predictable pathways through the space.
Whole-Home Accessible Modifications
From widening doorways and installing ramps to reconfiguring hallways and creating transition-free flooring throughout the home, we manage whole-home accessibility modifications as a coordinated project — so the result feels intentional and cohesive rather than like a series of add-ons.
Behavior-Informed Space Planning
Using principles from Applied Behavior Analysis, we design spaces that support specific routines, minimize visual clutter and environmental triggers, create predictable spatial sequences, and promote independence. This is especially impactful for individuals with autism or developmental differences, and it's a level of thought that very few remodeling contractors in Michigan are equipped to bring to a project.
Aging-in-Place Bathroom Modifications
Grab bars that are designed to look like towel bars, curbless shower entries with linear drains, comfort-height toilets, and slip-resistant tile — we integrate aging-in-place features into bathroom remodels throughout Oakland County in ways that are genuinely beautiful and completely functional.
Accessibility Without Compromise
The most common concern we hear from families considering accessible modifications is that the space will end up looking clinical or different from the rest of the home. We've spent years proving that this doesn't have to be the case. Our accessible bathrooms look like our portfolio bathrooms — natural stone, custom tile, thoughtful lighting, beautiful vanities. The accessibility is built into the design, not applied over it.
We believe every Oakland County homeowner deserves a space that works for their life. Not a medicalized version of their home — their actual home, designed with care and built to last.
Accessible & Intentional Design FAQs
What is sensory-friendly home design?
Accessible home design focuses on creating spaces that are easy to navigate, safe, and supportive of individuals with mobility, sensory, or developmental needs.
Can accessible design still look modern & high end?
Yes. At Costello & Co, we specialize in blending accessibility with elevated design so spaces feel cohesive, stylish, and intentional—not clinical.
Do you work with families who have children diagnosed with autism?
Yes. With a background in Applied Behavior Analysis, we bring a unique understanding of how environments impact behavior, routines, and independence.
Do you work with occupational therapists or other specialists?
Yes — we're experienced working alongside occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, and other professionals who are supporting a family member's needs. If you're working with a specialist who has specific recommendations for the home environment, we can incorporate those recommendations directly into our design and build process.
Is accessible design covered by insurance or any funding programs?
In some cases, accessible home modifications may be partially covered through Medicaid waiver programs, veterans' benefits, or other funding sources depending on the individual's diagnosis and situation. We recommend consulting with a case manager or benefits coordinator to explore what may be available. We can provide detailed documentation of planned modifications to support any funding applications.
What types of spaces do you design?
We design kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, bedrooms, and whole-home environments with accessibility and intentional design in mind.
Serving Oakland County Families
We provide accessible and intentional design remodeling throughout Oakland County and Metro Detroit, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Beverly Hills, West Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Troy, and surrounding communities.
Ready to create a home that works for your life? Request a free quote or call us at (248) 242-5790.